We’ve always been nomads with our music. Traveling, borrowing, constantly moving. Our sound is built on fusion and cross breeding. In our quest for global dominance, we’ve borrowed from many parts of the world. Ghana, South Africa, France, the Latino market, and more. We’ve also taken all that we’ve borrowed to different parts of the world. From the shores of Nigeria, we’ve taken Afrobeats to the rest of Africa, to the US and UK, to India, to the Latino market, and now, we’re going to France.
As early as 2018, we intentionally started our journey into L’hexagone with Wizkid’s collaboration with MHD on Bella. The song became a hit in France and in Africa, and went on to become diamond certified by SNEP. The success of the single opened the eyes of many to more. People saw how receptive the French market were of Afrobeats. They might not be dominant in English, but their soul feels connected to our sound. They connect to our rhythm. They bounce to our vibe. They feel what we feel. A lot of the immigrants there are black, so it’s a sound familiar with their core, just like the UK.
We had laid foundations before that. P Square and French singer and producer Matt Houston would come together in 2012 to do a record called Postiff and also a remix to P Square’s hit “E no easy”. There would be a French version of Yemi Alade’s Johnny that would go crazy in France, with the people there not knowing the the song had a Nigerian origin.
Time would see our music space execute based on this. We started having more French – Nigerian collaborations. Our music started doing better there. Burna Boy and Jorja Smith: Burna Boy’s collaboration with Jorja Smith on the song “Be Honest” was certified platinum in France. He had a collaboration with French singer, Dadju on “Donne-moi L’accord”
Ayra Starr would do it with Ninho on No Love, and again with Aya Nakamura on Hype. It’s no surprise that Ayra Starr was born and grew up in the Republic of Benin, so it makes complete sense that she understands and is influenced by the French culture. Omah lay and Ninho would team up on Bad, and it’d go on to be one of my favorite French-Nigerian collaborations.
We’d have it more on albums. Rema would spotlight Yseult on his Rave and Roses album with Whine, and Ckay would do same on Sad Romance with Rosinia. Asake worked with Anais Cardot to deliver My Heart on Lungu Boy, and Wizkid would feature Tiakola and Anais Cardot on his latest album, Morayo.
In the past two years, there have been numerous notable musical collaborations between French and English-speaking African artists, reflecting a growing trend in the African music scene.
The increase in these collaborations can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, digital platforms have made it easier for artists to reach global audiences and discover each other’s work. This has facilitated cross-border partnerships and the blending of diverse musical styles.
Secondly, there is a growing appetite for African music worldwide, driven by the success of our genres. This has led to a wider recognition of African music on global charts and in mainstream media, enhancing its influence and visibility worldwide.
I personally believe there’s a financial aspect to it. The market and the money is available there. Also, France is a leading country in many things, and a good platform to expand reach.
Ultimately, these collaborations between the French and English-speaking African artists mark a significant evolution in the musical scene and they do more than just create new music; they foster cultural exchange, promote diversity, and elevate African music to new heights on the world
Whatever the reason is, long may it continue. One thing is certain. We’ve found a new market to dominate and conquer. More will definitely come from here. Permit me to do the introductions. Dear Afrobeats, welcome to France 
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